Predictions: This Year in Science

About This Episode

Kick off the new year with Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice as they discuss science predictions for 2018 featuring fans and friends of the StarTalk Podcast Network. First, Neil and Chuck reveal some of their past failed predictions involving Star Trek, automatic doors, and Twitter. You’ll then hear why Neil thinks the total solar eclipse, deemed “The Great American Eclipse,” was the most important scientific event of 2017. Of course it wouldn’t be a StarTalk Radio episode if Neil and Chuck didn’t go a little off-topic, and you’ll hear Neil discuss his multiple dealings with people who thought they were right when they were wrong. After that, we get to the predictions. Andy Weir, author of The Martian and Artemis, gives his prediction about commercial spaceflight, primatologist Natalia Reagan gives her prediction on changing human behavior and culture, and SETI Senior Astronomer Seth Shostak shares his prediction about a new planet being added to our solar system – no, it’s not Pluto. Drew Pulley, show runner for StarTalk TV on the National Geographic Channel, gives an interesting prediction about Chuck and his endeavors in the upcoming year. You’ll also hear from fans of StarTalk as they offer their predictions about faster space travel, new particle discoveries, and space mining. Lastly, Neil warns against science censorship in 2018 and the dangers it poses to democracy. Happy New Year!

NOTE: All-Access subscribers can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: Predictions: This Year in Science.